See inside for Holiday Coloring Page! GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXVI, NO. XXVII
THURSDAY, DESCEMBER 11, 2025
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
Downtown Paso Robles was awash in color during the Christmas Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6. Photos by Derek Luff/PRP
Downtown Atascadero and Paso Robles sparkle in holiday celebrations Thousands turn out for Atascadero’s ‘Light Up the Downtown’ and Paso Robles’ 64th Annual Christmas Light Parade By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
NORTH COUNTY — The holidays continue to bring the community together across North County this December. Last weekend included Atascadero’s annual “Light Up the Downtown” celebration along with
Committee revives project honoring fallen WWII Bearcats
its second annual ”Garden Lights & Winter Nights” display. In Paso Robles, Santa Claus officially came to town with the annual Christmas Light Parade. The community turned out in record numbers on Friday, Dec. 5, for Atascadero’s annual “Light Up the Downtown” Holiday Celebration,
an evening city officials described as the most well-attended yet. Terrie Banish, the city’s director of community services & promotions, called the event “phenomenal” and praised the overwhelming support from residents and visitors. Festivities began at 5:30 p.m. in the Sunken Gardens with performances by
the Fine Arts Academy Honor Choir and the Atascadero Community Band. As music filled the air, families gathered for the countdown to illuminate City Hall. Atascadero Mayor Charles Bourbeau and the City Council led the lighting ceremony, sparking more than 3,000 lights across City Hall, the Sunken Gardens, and surround-
ing spaces as part of the second annual “Garden Lights & Winter Nights” display. The lights transformed downtown into a glowing holiday landscape that will continue through Jan. 11, 2026. “Attendance for ticket sales of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce’s CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Trustees select Joel Peterson as new board president during Tuesday meeting By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — A new president has been chosen to lead the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District The Jermin family — (clockwise from top left) Dylan, Rick, Stacey, Bobbie, and Tom Jr. — are shown at the Christmas Tree ABI Engineering owner Andy Brown holds up the Business of the Year Award he (PRJUSD) Board of Trust- Auction, where they were recognized collectively as Citizen of the Year. Photo by Derek Luff/PRP received along with Chicago Grade Landfill. ees through the next year. During the Tuesday, Dec. 9 board meeting, Joel PeterEvent honored Jermin family, recognized ABI Engineering and Waste Connections son was unanimously chosen By CAMILLE DEVAUL to serve as board president. Auction on Thursday, Dec. 4. Returning and generosity across North County. on Main Street in Templeton earlier camille@pasoroblespress.com Trustee Laurene McCoy was for its second year after a small break, Interim CEO of the Chamber Robert this year. He also encouraged local busithen unanimously approved TEMPLETON — The Paso Robles the event brought together residents, Covarrubias addressed welcomed nesses to join and become active in the to serve as clerk. and Templeton Chamber of Commerce businesses, and nonprofit partners for guests, recapping the grand opening of Chamber in Templeton. CONTINUED ON PAGE A2 CONTINUED ON PAGE A2 hosted its annual Christmas Tree an evening that celebrated resilience the new Chamber offices that opened
Chamber celebrates community at annual Christmas Tree Auction
COMMUNITY
CRIME
NONPROFIT
SECTION
WEATHER
pasoroblespress.com X.com/ @PasoRoblesPress facebook.com/ @PasoRoblesPress
ARRESTS Red Light Roundup | A4
REDWINGS Horse Sanctuary | A8
SPORTS Schedule | A9
High 61° | Low 36°
SUPPORT LOCAL HELP YOUR BUSINESS TAKE FLIGHT!
67808 24135
7
e Scan her ted! ar t s t e g to Pas o be t
the
o Rob les s Pres
JOURNALISM
5
Subs cri
SKY DAWSEY Chopped Classic | A3
Not only do you have the power to choose the subscription that fits your life, but when you advertise, you will broaden your reach into target markets throughout the Central Coast, from Ventura County to Monterey County!
Subscribe & Advertise with
pasoroblespress.com (805) 237-6060 office@13starsmedia.com